FEATURE ARTICLES | 2018-09-01

Pack Expo: Automation and Education

Ask any exhibitor at Pack Expo International and the co-located Healthcare Packaging Expo (Oct. 14-17 at McCormick Place, Chicago) why they're there, and you'll probably get the same response: end users.

| 2018-04-30

What is a Voice Coil Actuator?

A voice coil actuator, also known as a non-commutated DC linear actuator, is a type of direct drive linear motor. The name “voice coil” comes from ...

POWER PLAY | 2018-04-01

It's a Jungle Out There

Harsh environments and saltwater properties tend to make it difficult for motors, gearboxes and engines to perform consistently at a high level.

| 2018-02-01

Nord Drivesystems Optimizes Baggage Handling System

One baggage handling system OEM came to greatly appr...

| 2017-11-14

Freudenberg Examines Sealing Requirements for Heavy-Duty Equipment

The seals and the hydraulic systems of any piece of mining, construction, agricultural or other heavy industry equipment like

| 2017-09-07

Meter Bearings Upgrades System Analytics

A global organization, Meter Bearings comprises offices and production centers in China, Germany, and the United States, with their headquarters in...

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2016-02-01

Homogeneous Geometry Calculation of Arbitrary Tooth Shapes: Mathematical Approach and Practical Applications

This paper provides a mathematical framework and its implementation for calculating the tooth geometry of arbitrary gear types, based on the basic law of gear kinematics. The rack or gear geometry can be generated in two different ways: by calculating the conjugate geometry and the line of contact of a gear to the given geometric shape of a known geometry (e.g., a cutting hob), or by prescribing the surface of action of two gears in contact and calculating the correspondent flank shapes.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2015-08-01

A New Geometrically Adaptive Approach for Tooth Contact Analysis of Gear Drives

Tooth contact analysis (TCA) is an important tool directed to the determination of contact patterns, contact paths, and transmission errors in gear drives. In this work, a new general approach that is applicable to any kind of gear geometry is proposed.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2015-04-01

Diametral Pitch Calculation

Circular pitch gives me the size of the teeth in my mind, but diametral pitch does not. What is the purpose of the diametral pitch concept? Does it merely avoid pi in calculation?

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2015-03-01

The Modified Life Rating of Rolling Bearings: A Criterion for Gearbox Design and Reliability Optimization

Engineers typically learn that the bearing L10 life can be estimated using the so called “C/P method” — or the “basic rating life” of the bearing, a method rooted in the 1940s. Major developments have since led to the “modified rating life,” released in ISO 281:2007, which includes the aiso life modification factor. In this paper a succession of equations used for bearing life ratings are reviewed, and current bearing life rating practices are discussed in detail. It is shown that — despite the introduction more than 30 years ago of the adjustment factor of the basic rating life, and the standardization in 2007 of the aiso modification factor — use of these improved calculation methods are not practiced by all engineers. Indeed — many continue referring to the old model as a way of seeking compliance with existing, established practices.

MARKET UPDATE | 2014-08-01

Das (Human) Kapital

Columnist Brian Langenberg provides a current outlook update, key findings from a recent energy sector conference, and takes another look at education and employment.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2007-10-01

The Search for Intelligent Brakes

Th e Allen Telescope Array at Hat Creek, CA is a joint venture between the University of California Berkeley and the SETI Institute of Mountain View, CA. SETI has hired Minex Engineering of Antioch, CA to help with the design and installation of state-of-the-art drives and controls for the antenna array.